What is theme? In the simplest terms, a theme is the subject of a story. But that definition actually does more harm than good in fully understanding the theme of a story. In this article, we’re going to look at some common misconceptions by breaking down how to use theme in literature and screenwriting, with… Continue reading What is Theme in Literature and Film? Definition and Examples
What is an antagonist? The simplest explanation is that they represent the opposite of the protagonist. But there’s much more to the term than that. By understanding how these characters are used in screenwriting, we’re better equipped to handle story conflict in our own scripts. We’ll start with an antagonist definition that may surprise you… Continue reading What is an Antagonist? Definition and Examples Explained
Some may argue whether a screenplay is truly a work of literature. Nevertheless, anyone who’s sat down to write a screenplay knows it isn’t for the faint of heart. To juggle all aspects successfully, a screenwriter needs a few tools in their toolbelt. Enter common literary devices, literary elements and literary techniques. Besides listing, defining,… Continue reading What are Literary Devices? Definitions and Examples for Screenwriters
Motifs are a great way to reinforce the theme of your project. Understanding how to build motifs that work requires strong attention to detail and a clear game plan. But what is a motif? Looking for a clear motif definition? Need motif examples in film? All these questions and more will be answered as we… Continue reading What is a Motif? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers
What is a protagonist? Many refer to it as the lead character in a story but the true protagonist definition is slightly more complicated than that. To understand the protagonist meaning completely, we need to look at how different types are used in screenwriting. This will help you decide which type of hero (or villain… Continue reading What is a Protagonist? Definition and Examples for Screenwriters
Denouement is one of the most important aspects of a script, yet it can easily be confused with other story beats like climaxes or epilogues. So what is denouement? In this article, we’re going to define denouement in a clear and simple way, then look at some key examples from film that show us how masterclass… Continue reading What is Denouement? Definition and Examples in Movies
What is subtext? The age-old adage says that subtext is what’s inferred by reading between the lines, but how do we know what to look for? In this article, we’re going to define what subtext is, then look at some strong examples from screenplays. By the end, you’ll be ready to apply subtext into your… Continue reading What is Subtext? How to Use Subtext in Screenwriting
A plot is a crucial element for any story, and I challenge you to think of a great film or book that has a mediocre plot. But plot often seems to get confused or conflated with the characters, setting, and theme. In this post, we’re going to define plot, explain why it’s important, and then… Continue reading What Is a Plot? Types of Plot, Definitions, and Examples
We all know that conflict is needed to keep viewers engaged, to create an emotional response, and to ultimately, push the story forward. Without conflict in a story, the film, show, or novel, may seem a bit, well, boring. It’s also true that conflict can be defined by all of the “types” that exist —… Continue reading What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict
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